The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of conducting a politically motivated raid at the residence of Durgesh Pathak, a prominent AAP leader, on Thursday morning. This action follows Pathak’s recent appointment as the co-incharge for AAP’s Gujarat campaign ahead of the 2027 elections. Sandeep Pathak, AAP’s national general secretary, took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the raid, suggesting it was an attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to target AAP as its influence in Gujarat grows. He remarked that the BJP appeared rattled by AAP’s rising popularity in the state.
According to CBI officials, the agency has filed a case against Durgesh Pathak for alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). However, further details regarding the nature of the case remain unclear.
Reacting strongly to the raid, AAP Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh accused the ruling BJP of resorting to “dirty tricks” to weaken the party. He argued that the raid on Pathak’s residence was no coincidence, occurring immediately after his appointment to the Gujarat election post. Singh claimed that the BJP, facing increasing pressure in Gujarat, was using such tactics to intimidate and silence AAP leaders.
This development follows a recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at the Mohali residence of AAP MLA Kulwant Singh. The ED is investigating Singh in connection with the ₹48,000 crore Pearl Agrotech Corporation Limited (PACL) money laundering case. The raid, which was carried out with the support of local police, targeted Singh’s property in the Janta Land Promoters Limited (JLPL) area, a location linked to his real estate business. While Singh was not present during the search, his family members were questioned by authorities.
Both raids have raised concerns within AAP, with party leaders accusing the BJP of using law enforcement agencies to stifle the opposition’s growing influence.
